By: Yaremi García Maceo

On the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Birthplace of Carlos J. Finlay, as a Sociocultural Project of the Office of the Historian of Camagüey city, reveals its plans aimed at improving the quality of life of this age group, identified as the one with the highest density within the Historic Center; for which the activities of our institution respond to the interest of elderly men and women, especially promoting their rights and their knowledge through spaces in which they become protagonists.

Old age is a stage of life that, like all those lived, must be enjoyed and valued, especially when it comes to the rights of the elderly. In Cuba, various actions are carried out to care for this age group, such as “Grandparents’ Homes”, “Grandparents’ Circles”, “The University of the Elderly”, among others. Many institutions have among their objectives to contribute to the increase in the quality of life of the elderly, this is the case of the birthplace of Carlos J. Finlay.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is celebrated every June 15th with the aim of raising awareness and denouncing the mistreatment, abuse and suffering to which many elderly men and women are subjected in different parts of the world.

What actions of the institution favor the stage of old age?

“General guidance based on the macrobiotic diet” made up mostly of elderlies with an interest in improving their health, through a healthier and more appropriate eating style for the prevention and treatment of diseases, achieving the restoration of the organism regardless of the condition.

“Health and life” is an activity characterized for the practice of Tai Chi exercises, since it is a martial art with therapeutic applications that manifests its benefits in daily life. This practice develops the ability to be active, balances the nervous system and promotes longevity.

The “Consultation of education to the population in the preparation, use, consumption, dose and ways of use of the Medicinal Plants”; It is an activity conducted by older adults familiar with traditional medicine, as an effective alternative, but taking into account scientific criteria.

“Art therapy” is made up mostly of elderly patients of the Mental Health Center. This project allows them to develop skills for singing, poetry and acting, manifestations that improve their state of mental health, in addition to achieving their reintegration into society through art.

“To Live” meating, a group of seniors united by similar interests such as achieving interaction, receiving training on various cultural and institutional issues, in addition to requesting updating of the city’s revival projects and exchange with specialists on health issues according to their needs.

“Living 120 years” is constituted merely by elderly. It is based on promoting healthy lifestyles in food and the application of traditional natural medicine, in addition to systematically relying on the advice of a multidisciplinary team of doctors specialized in the care of the elderly, including psychologists.

Other activities of the House also take this age group into account, such as summer tours and various celebrations.

Bibliography

www.diainternacionalde.com

Proyecto Sociocultural de la Casa Natal de Carlos J. Finlay (documento)

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García